Olympic Gala aids equestrian groups

The third annual Olympic Gala offers members of the community an opportunity to help the U.S. Eventing High Performance programs and the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation.

It serves as a fundraiser as the U.S. eventing team continues to work toward its objective of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

The gala will be held Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Phillip and Evie Dutton's Red Oak Farm at the Bridle Creek Equestrian Development.

The event will include a drawing, silent auction, dance floor, band, open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Those attending the event should be dressed in cocktail attire.

Guest speakers include the U.S. Eventing Chef d'Equipe Capt. Mark Phillips, who will step down from his position as coach and technical adviser after the 2012 Olympic Games; Phillip Dutton, an 11-time United States Eventing Association leading rider and two-time Olympic Gold medalist; and Boyd Martin, an advanced level and High Performance Program A-list rider.

"I'll be saying a few words and Capt. Phillips will also be speaking, and we'll be giving people an overview of what we hope to achieve this year," Dutton said. "They'll hear firsthand about the preparation and training. Those in attendance will have a chance to meet and mingle with potential team members."

The community has played a large role in helping to support the U.S. Eventing team in the past, Dutton said.

"We've been able to raise an incredible amount of money to support our sport, and being well-funded gives us a better chance," he said. "This is a big year for our sport with this year's World Equestrian Games being held for the first time in the United States, it's a great showcase for the horses and the riders. The gala helps to raise money for the horses and the riders."

Sponsors for the event include Bruce Duchossois and Jack Wetzel with HnD Stables, Security Federal Bank and Trust, Aiken County Farm Supply, Equine Divine, Mary Guynn of Smith, Massey, Brodie and Guynn, Southern Equine Veterinary Clinic, Phillip and Evie Dutton and Meybohm Realtors.

"Bruce and Jack have been so generous," said Dineen Daniels, who is helping to coordinate the event with Bonnie Jenkins. "The silent auction items are outstanding, and there are things from around the world. They (Jack and Bruce) are giving us an adorable little Paint Pony that had been orphaned that they rescued and handled. It's the cutest thing ever, and we're going to have a drawing for him."

Other silent auction items include lesson sessions donated by High Performance Program A-list riders. Gallery J's Brooke Battisto donated some of her services to the silent auction, Daniels said.

"She'll be doing hair and makeup before the party for anyone who's involved with the setup the day of the gala," Daniels said.

Tickets to the event are $55 each and are available until Monday at the downtown Meybohm Realtors office. The majority of the proceeds will benefit the U.S. Eventing High Performance Programs and USET Foundation.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering can call 646-4040.

The Bridle Creek Equestrian Development is located at 1140 Colbert Bridge Road.